Burscough, I've recently bought an I14 and live in Helsby. Not a huge amount of experience with the kayak yet but I've been on the Dee at Chester and the Weaver at Frodsham. The intention was to take it on the aeroplane to Portugal.

I hope you have as much pleasure (and fun!) with your i14T as I have had with mine. I spent 6 months using it on an almost daily basis, in all kinds of weather and all kinds of situations -- rivers, lakes, canals, etc.

Flying with the i14T may be a bit cumbersome. I have been thinking about bringing mine to Western Canada, but it means quite a bit of extra airline charges for over-sized baggage. The boat itself is large and then there are all the other items to bring (Mirage Drives, sail, mast, life jackets, safety equipment, etc, etc).

I bought the Mirage Drive bags (2) which I am very glad I did as they protect the drives even when the boat is just in the trunk of my car. I am thinking about getting an airline golf bag which is big enough for my two Mirage drives in their respective protective bags, life jackets, etc. I think the airline golf bag might offer more protection than a mere rolling duffel bag. Has anyone found a good method for flying with the Mirage Drives?

You will want to check out the posts about protecting the boat while flying. The Hobie i14T duffel bag does not give adequate protection for airline traveling. Some people pack the boat in a tarp and then put it in its bag.

As it happens I work for an airline. I agree that the Hobie bag, as supplied, is unlikely to be up to airport handling but when I'm actually at work I can influence how it gets treated, to a degree. I intend taking the I14 to Egypt next month, more as a practical experiment than anything. Although I'm not going to run into as many issues with baggage weights etc as the general public will, I'm going to get the package weighed, find out how much of the complete package will fit the weight limit (32kg max, UK Health & Safety limit) and how much faffing about in check in I'm going to experience.

I took it out on the Dee in Chester yesterday and had a short 'race' with a coxed 8 rowing crew...I lost, but I'm shortly taking delivery of twin ST Turbo upgrades and will swap my dog for a light weight, fit 'pedaller'. I'm expecting great things, but if nothing else I get to stop at the Blue Moon cafe for coffe and cake!